Brisingr

Eragon is summoned back to Orik’s chambers where he explains their investigation centered around the daggers left behind. The craftsman Kiefna Long-nose sold the daggers to an armorer, who sold them on to a knurlaf from the Durgrimst Nagra. According to her, a dwarf engaged her in the sale without an explanation, but she does know he traveled immediately to one of the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin. Using magical detection, Orik traced the attackers to a storeroom wherein three Vargrimstn (clanless warriors who disgraced themselves) sat; they broke the minds of two and left the third for the other grimstborithn to interrogate. From this, Orik says there is no doubt Az Sweldn rak Anhûin tried to kill Eragon; Eragon wonders if they should kill Vermund. Orik has a different plan for the clanmeet, in which the magicians become enticed to search the three treasonous captured dwarves’ minds. He predicts that they will also want to probe Eragon’s mind to verify the eyewitness information; Eragon agrees, with the condition that if they stray he will burn the memories from their minds.

Gannel begins the clanmeet by referencing the ambush and asking for the other clan leaders to provide more information if they know it. Orik admits he has plenty to say but wants to hear all the questions before he will answer. He begins with a long-winded history of how the clans came to reside in Tronjheim, and their relationship with Urgals, humans, and elves. He points out their decision to distance themselves from the dragons and their Riders, and how this detracted from their position. He swears love and loyalty to Eragon as his foster brother, then finally begins to recount the events at hand. After a deep dive into the minds of the three men and Eragon to substantiate their claims, all present must confess they agree Vermund’s actions led to the bloodshed. Instead of killing Vermund or starting a war, the other clan leaders agree to shun his entire clan, Az Sweldn rak Anhûin. The rest of the clan will be allowed back into Tronjheim if they seek a more reasonable leader, but Vermund will forever be Vargrimstn. When Vermund makes a fuss, lashing out at the others, none of the others speak back.

Orik proposes that the leaders are ready to cast their votes for Hrothgar’s successor—a new king to rule all the clans—and they all agree to meet in three days for this. Orik reminds Eragon that he should invite Saphira up from the Varden, now that there is a known date for the vote; Eragon rushes to find a mirror that will allow this communication.

Roran rides under Captain Edric into farmland, seeking out Galbatorix’s soldiers, who have been given orders to ransack towns and villages in Surda that have been left to fend for themselves. Hours later, they discover the soldiers headed for a small village. While Roran expects they’ll expose themselves to the villagers, saving them from abandoning their homes, Edric has orders to remain hidden, so Roran watches in frustration. The group from the Varden is divided into three sections of 81 soldiers each, led by Roran, Edric, and Sand. They are divided in their opinions, yet band together when Galbatorix’s men trample through the town looking for anyone left behind and find an older man, a woman, and a child. Edric waits until they decapitate the old man to charge, with Roran flanking left, Sand right, and Edric down the middle.

When Roran finds his position, it is clear the men he faces are armed with crossbows and continuing Edric’s plan will result in death; he directs some of his men to find high positions in the town and shoot Galbatorix’s men with bows and arrows to deflect the surge, while the rest take cover. At the same time, a smaller group will make their way to Edric to flank his men and save them; regrouping, Edric chastises Roran for not doing as he was told, while simultaneously praising him for sending relief. He orders Roran to bring his archers down to fight at ground level, expecting Roran will follow orders this time. Again, Roran defies his captain in favor of maintaining his soldiers’ lives. With archers on the roof, a group of 10 men under protection spells are able to taunt Galbatorix’s men through a funnel made from debris and bodies to their deaths. Roran himself kills 193 soldiers and is injured in a variety of ways.

After their victory, they are able to rescue the remaining Varden men; Edric is alive while Sand has fallen, and while the casualties are high amongst their soldiers, Roran has only lost nine of his 81 men. Edric still names Roran insubordinate, demands his weapons, and forces him into imprisonment, for Nasuada to determine his punishment; the men follow protocol, clearing the village of bodies and lighting them on fire before leaving for home.